Three years ago Universal dropped the Jessica Chastain-led horror Mama into theaters during the fertile month of January, and while that time is usually good for the genre this one was unexpectedly huge. Earning $146M on a tiny $15M budget, the film was quickly set up as a potential franchise, and now we're seeing that plan begin to take shape.
According to THR, a sequel to Mama is in the works, but it won't include director Andy Muschietti, who is busy developing an adaptation of Stephen King's It. Instead it will be Starry Eyes directors Dennis Widmyer and Kevin Kolsch at the helm. The duo will also rewrite the screenplay, but as of now it's unclear what the plot could entail. What is also uncertain is if Chastain can be convinced to return, because that could go a long way in figuring where the story will go.
Universal may be taking a gamble on Mama's long-term viability, but as long as the cost stays down it's a minor risk.
